Heartland Credit Union Association - People Helping Peoplehttps://heartlandcua.org/taxonomy/term/1627
enCredit Unions Demonstrate "People Helping People" Philosophy Every Dayhttps://heartlandcua.org/node/3061
<a href="/node/3061"><img class="teaserimage" typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://heartlandcua.org/sites/default/files//styles/thumbnail/public/Article-Images/Skyward_Backpacks.jpg?itok=yph9n_h4" alt="Credit Unions Demonstrate &quot;People Helping People&quot; Philosophy Every Day" title="Credit Unions Demonstrate &quot;People Helping People&quot; Philosophy Every Day" /></a><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>Credit unions demonstrate the "people helping people" philosophy every day by helping members, as well as in their communities. Here is the latest example of how Kansas and Missouri credit unions are making a difference in their communities.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>First Community Donates to Local Police&nbsp;Officer</strong></p>
<p>When police officer Michael Flamion was shot during a traffic stop last month, staff members of First Community Credit Union (Chesterfield, MO) began asking how they could help.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The majority of First Community’s 500+ employees work at branch locations throughout the metro area and understand the role police play in the safety of the business, and how each branch establishes their own relationship with local law enforcement. &nbsp;</p>
<p>To raise money, the credit union held a “dress-down” day for staff in exchange for a monetary donation, and each branch set out a donation box to take donations from member customers. First Community also made a corporate donation, and a check for $5,000 was delivered to the Ballwin Police Department for Officer Flamion. &nbsp;</p>
<p>“We really care about our role in the community” said Laura Alfeldt, Marketing Vice President of First Community. “Our employees were moved by what happened to Officer Flamion and wanted to help.”</p>
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<td style="text-align: right;"><em>Skyward Credit Union collects backpacks for<br />
students who may not own a quality backpack.&nbsp;</em></td>
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<p><strong>Skyward&nbsp;Credit Union Donates Nearly 600 Backpacks to Local Students</strong></p>
<p>Skyward Credit Union (Wichita, KS) is giving back to the community with a donation of nearly 600 backpacks to the KAKEland School Supply Landslide.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Skyward president Larry Damm said this program helps children as they prepare to return to school.&nbsp;Many students don’t own a quality backpack and relatively high purchase prices often lead to a shortage of donated backpacks.&nbsp;The credit union saw this as an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children in the community.</p>
<p>Skyward is collaborating with Textron Aviation Leadership Education and Development (LEAD) for this project, a partnership that has been a catalyst in bringing this great cause to the community’s attention. &nbsp;</p>
<p>“Collecting school supplies for children in this community is a cause that so many of Textron Aviation’s employees are passionate about,” said LEAD community relations chairman Brandon Parks. “Skyward Credit Union has been LEAD’s partner in this drive each year and always provides a substantial donation while serving as the prime collection point for our donated items.”</p>
<p>KAKEland School Supply Landslide began in 1996 as a response to concerns expressed by area educators and parents about children coming to school without the supplies they need. Last year, school supplies were delivered to more than 10,000 students in the community.&nbsp;</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-vocab-community field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Vocab Community:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/taxonomy/term/199" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">new</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/taxonomy/term/4734" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Skyward Credit Union</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/taxonomy/term/4788" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">make a difference</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/taxonomy/term/1627" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">People Helping People</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/taxonomy/term/1995" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">First Community Credit Union</a></div></div></div>Fri, 05 Aug 2016 13:57:57 +0000Susan Dyer3061 at https://heartlandcua.orghttps://heartlandcua.org/node/3061#commentsNominations Now Open for 2017 Wegner Awardshttps://heartlandcua.org/node/2944
<a href="/node/2944"><img class="teaserimage" typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://heartlandcua.org/sites/default/files//styles/thumbnail/public/images/herb-wegner-award.jpg?itok=3rY4Ewtv" alt="Nominations Now Open for 2017 Wegner Awards" title="Nominations Now Open for 2017 Wegner Awards" /></a><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>Credit union supporters are encouraged to <a href="https://www.ncuf.coop/events/foundation-dinner/nomination-information/nominations.cmsx" target="_blank">nominate individuals and organizations</a> for the Herb Wegner Memorial Awards to be presented by the National Credit Union Foundation (the Foundation). Winners will be honored at the Foundation’s annual awards dinner on February 27, 2017, in conjunction with the Credit Union National Association (CUNA) Governmental Affairs Conference (GAC) in Washington, D.C.</p>
<p>“If you look at the <a href="https://www.ncuf.coop/events/foundation-dinner/past/award-recipients.cmsx" target="_blank">list of past Wegner Awardees</a>, you’ll see they are all truly a model of tireless dedication to the credit union philosophy of ‘people helping people,’” says Danielle Brown, Foundation Director of Donor Relations and Development. “The Foundation’s Wegner Awards are widely considered the highest national honors in the credit union movement and we encourage you to nominate those individuals and programs that exemplify putting ‘belief into action.’”</p>
<p>Nominations need to be made by Friday, July 29, 2016, for the following awards:</p>
<ul>
<li>The Outstanding Individual Achievement Award honors an individual who is dedicated to promoting the credit union philosophy, has created innovative concepts, and provided leadership that has had a significant and lasting impact on the local, regional, national and/or international credit union movement with measured results.</li>
<li>The Outstanding Organization/Program Award honors an organization, program or business for their innovative concepts, products, and services that have had a significant impact on the local and/or national and/or international credit union movement with measured results.</li>
</ul>
<p>Nominations can come from individuals and/or organizations.&nbsp; The following are the three steps needed to make a nomination:</p>
<ol>
<li>Complete the Wegner Awards nomination form on the <a href="http://ncuf.coop" target="_blank">Foundation website</a>.</li>
<li>Gather at least five personal recommendations citing examples of the nominee’s achievements relevant to the award criteria.</li>
<li>Send the nomination form and recommendation letters electronically to the Foundation by July 29, 2016.</li>
</ol>
<p>Questions about the Wegner Awards can be directed to <a href="mailto:dbrown@ncuf.coop?subject=Wegner%20Awards">Danielle Brown</a>, 608.556.2406.</p>
<p><strong>About the Herb Wegner Memorial Awards</strong></p>
<p>The awards are named in honor of the late Credit Union National Association CEO Herb Wegner, whose tireless dedication, innovative ideas and deeds truly revolutionized the ways that credit unions serve their communities.&nbsp;The awards that bear Wegner’s name recognize his spirit of “innovative, creative, risk-taking” leadership.&nbsp;</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-vocab-community field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Vocab Community:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/taxonomy/term/199" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">new</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/taxonomy/term/3766" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Wegner Awards</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/taxonomy/term/3026" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">National Credit Union Foundation</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/taxonomy/term/3527" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Danielle Brown</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/taxonomy/term/386" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">NCUF</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/taxonomy/term/1627" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">People Helping People</a></div></div></div>Wed, 11 May 2016 14:42:15 +0000Nora Revie2944 at https://heartlandcua.orghttps://heartlandcua.org/node/2944#commentsToolkit Helps Credit Unions Promote ICU Day https://heartlandcua.org/node/2620
<a href="/node/2620"><img class="teaserimage" typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://heartlandcua.org/sites/default/files//styles/thumbnail/public/images/2015-icu-day.jpg?itok=69baNntq" alt="Toolkit Helps Credit Unions Promote ICU Day " title="Toolkit Helps Credit Unions Promote ICU Day " /></a><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>On October 15, 2015, credit unions around the world will celebrate International Credit Union Day (ICU Day). Since 1948, on the third Thursday of every October, credit unions have celebrated a simple but radical idea—that by working together, people can improve their financial well-being. “People helping people,” this year’s ICU Day theme, is the foundational philosophy of the credit union movement, going back to the very beginning.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Join us in honoring the generosity and commitment of credit union members by visiting the official <a href="http://www.cuna.org/icuday/" target="_blank">ICU Day website</a>. You'll find helpful promotional items,&nbsp;including a social media toolkit, images,&nbsp;articles&nbsp;and best practices.&nbsp;<a href="http://store.4imprint.com/default.asp?UID=GSTE0E47611A67D4852BB195E2613C0030D&amp;schemename=cunacelebrations&amp;Referer=no&amp;Redirected=True" target="_blank">CUNA's&nbsp;online store</a> has clothing, decorations and giveaway items—all available in bulk prices—that can be used to engage your community in the celebration.</p>
<p><strong>History of ICU Day</strong></p>
<p>In the 1850s, hard times hit Germany, and people turned to each other for help. They removed small savings from under mattresses and made reasonably priced loans to one another. These early credit unions were the model for all the credit unions that followed: not-for-profit, democratically controlled and community oriented.</p>
<p>In the 1920s, Edward Filene took cooperative finance to the next level in Boston, as a means of lifting working people out of debt and creating a better life.&nbsp;On January 17, 1927, the Credit Union League of Massachusetts celebrated the first official credit union holiday. January 17th is the birthday of Benjamin Franklin, America’s “Apostle of Thrift,” who credit union founders believed to symbolize the purpose and spirit of credit unions. During this time, the credit union movement was new and spreading. People involved only began to recognize the celebration’s significance and were unable to devote the time required for sufficient planning. Credit Union Day quietly faded away.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The U.S. Credit Union National Association (CUNA) and CUNA Mutual Insurance Society initiated a new national Credit Union Day celebration in 1948. The third Thursday of October was set aside as the national day of observance. This occasion brought members together to promote the credit union philosophy nationally and reflect upon credit union achievements and history. Members raised funds for the movement and paid homage to loyal supporters and pioneers.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The World Council of Credit Unions, established in 1971, assists credit union movements and supports their development around the world. World Council observed the first International Credit Union (ICU) Day more than 30 years ago, and continues to endorse global celebrations. The credit union movement has grown to more than 200 million members in 101 countries.&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-vocab-community field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Vocab Community:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/taxonomy/term/199" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">new</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/taxonomy/term/78" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">CUNA</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/taxonomy/term/2366" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">ICU Day</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/taxonomy/term/2367" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">International Credit Union Day</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/taxonomy/term/3977" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">toolkit</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/taxonomy/term/1627" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">People Helping People</a></div></div></div>Thu, 27 Aug 2015 20:37:56 +0000Nora Revie2620 at https://heartlandcua.orghttps://heartlandcua.org/node/2620#comments1st Financial FCU's Grant Helps Rebuild St. Louis Homeshttps://heartlandcua.org/node/2578
<a href="/node/2578"><img class="teaserimage" typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://heartlandcua.org/sites/default/files//styles/thumbnail/public/images/1st-Financial-FCU.jpg?itok=RMgEHyWs" alt="1st Financial FCU&#039;s Grant Helps Rebuild St. Louis Homes" title="1st Financial FCU&#039;s Grant Helps Rebuild St. Louis Homes" /></a><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>1st Financial Federal Credit Union’s "Your Community 1st Grant" program has selected&nbsp;Vernon Mansfield&nbsp;and <a href="http://www.homebto.org/" target="_blank">Blessings to Others</a> to receive a $500 grant that will be used to support&nbsp;the creation of affordable housing for St. Louis area residents.</p>
<p>In 2015, the 1st Financial leadership team decided to expand their giving program and created the Your Community 1st Grant, which focuses on individuals who are working for their community.&nbsp;Quarterly, 1st Financial presents a $500 donation to be used for an existing community need or certified 501(c)3 charitable organization or not-for-profit agency.</p>
<p>The latest recipient of the Your Community 1st Grant was chosen based on the severity of&nbsp;need and willingness to work towards helping members of their community achieve personal or financial growth. 1st Financial was excited to award the Your Community 1st Grant to Vernon Mansfield and Blessings to Others (BTO).</p>
<p>“1st Financial’s philosophy of 'people helping people,' their work in our community, and the help provided to people in need is sorely needed in today’s world,” says Mr. Mansfield.&nbsp;“BTO’s mission is to provide quality intermediate and affordable housing to individual families and strategic partners.&nbsp;We bridge the gap between transitional and permanent housing needs for individuals experiencing a transformational change in their lives.”</p>
<p>In his application, Mr. Mansfield spoke about using the grant to help provide a pipeline of rehabbed, quality&nbsp;and affordable single-family residences across the St. Louis region.&nbsp;By offering “Common Sense Rent” that is priced appropriately to each family and not based on generating profits, while also providing ongoing life skills education and mentoring, Blessings to Others enhances the opportunity for real financial stability and strong family values which strengthen the St. Louis community.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Funds from the grant will go directly to rehabilitation costs for a property at 5839 Ridge Avenue, St. Louis MO 63112.&nbsp;The staff at Blessings to Others estimates that a total of $7,000 will be needed to complete repairs on the property.</p>
<p>“At BTO, we are so thankful and appreciative of 1st Financial’s community giving program," continues Mr. Mansfield. "Their donation of $500 will enhance a community member’s ability to become financially stable.”</p>
<p>Branch Manager Tanya Forsythe presented the $500 Grant to Vernon Mansfield, Tim Grimmett, and Nancy Grimmett of Blessings to Others on Monday, July 20, 2015 at the 1st Financial Federal Credit Union Hazelwood Branch at 5916 N. Lindbergh.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>For more information about Blessings to Others, please click <a href="http://www.homebto.org/" target="_blank">here</a>.&nbsp;</p>
<p><em>Caption:&nbsp;Pictured (from left) are Tanya Forsythe, Hazelwood Branch Manager for 1st Financial Federal Credit Union; Vernon Mansfield, Tim Grimmett, and Nancy Grimmett, of Blessings to Others.</em></p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-vocab-community field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Vocab Community:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/taxonomy/term/199" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">new</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/taxonomy/term/2050" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">1st Financial Federal Credit Union</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/taxonomy/term/3618" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">1st Financial FCU</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/taxonomy/term/3899" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Tanya Forsythe</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/taxonomy/term/3900" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Hazelwood Branch Manager</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/taxonomy/term/3901" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Blessings to Others</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/taxonomy/term/3902" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Vernon Mansfield</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/taxonomy/term/3571" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Your Community 1st Grant</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/taxonomy/term/1627" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">People Helping People</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/taxonomy/term/2611" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">#getlocal</a></div></div></div>Sat, 25 Jul 2015 14:05:46 +0000Nora Revie2578 at https://heartlandcua.orghttps://heartlandcua.org/node/2578#comments1st Financial FCU Volunteers for Connections to Successhttps://heartlandcua.org/node/2486
<a href="/node/2486"><img class="teaserimage" typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://heartlandcua.org/sites/default/files//styles/thumbnail/public/images/1st-financial-fcu-connections-success.jpg?itok=aW14J0Ex" alt="1st Financial FCU Volunteers for Connections to Success" title="1st Financial FCU Volunteers for Connections to Success" /></a><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>1st Financial Federal Credit Union continued its Helping People 1st Grant program in March by partnering with Connections to Success to support job training efforts in the St. Louis area.&nbsp;Connections to Success is a non-profit agency with offices in St. Charles, St. Louis&nbsp;and Kansas City working to break the cycle of poverty through hope, resources, and a plan.&nbsp;Connections to Success provides educational programs, job placement resources, and mentoring for men and women.</p>
<p>“1st Financial Federal Credit Union is a true partner that has invested their hearts and time into working hands on with our families,” says&nbsp;Kathy Lambert, CEO for Connections to Success.&nbsp;“We are truly honored to be selected as a grant recipient and will be using the funds to continue to build our financial education programming for families to begin saving for their children’s education.”</p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">During March, the 1st Financial Federal Credit Union branch in St. Charles held a bake sale, collected used professional clothing, held two gift basket raffles, and hosted the Connections to Success mobile Mystique Boutique in the St. Charles Branch parking lot. </span>On Thursday, March 26, 1st Financial employees volunteered their time by helping out with office work, sorting clothing donations onto racks, and wrapping bakery items at the Connections to Success offices at 3000 Little Hills Expressway in St. Charles.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Chuck Holmes,&nbsp;St. Charles branch manager,&nbsp;presented a check for more than $820&nbsp;to Kathy Lambert, CEO at Connections to Success, on April 17.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The&nbsp;Helping People 1st Grant&nbsp;program was created to make a positive impact on the St. Louis area.&nbsp;As part of the credit union philosophy of “people helping people,” this program was created to support nonprofit organizations that work to encourage growth in education, housing, financial literacy&nbsp;or job training within the community.&nbsp;</p>
<p><em>Caption: Pictured from right are&nbsp;Shelitta Hairlson, contact center manager for 1st Financial Federal Credit Union; Lynda Keeton, event coordinator for Connections to Success; Kathy Lambert, CEO&nbsp;for Connections to Success; Kathleen Grant, volunteer and mentor coordinator; Marcy Bursac, senior director of Resource Development; and Chuck Holmes, St. Charles branch manager for 1st Financial Federal Credit Union.</em></p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-vocab-community field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Vocab Community:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/taxonomy/term/199" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">new</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/taxonomy/term/2050" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">1st Financial Federal Credit Union</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/taxonomy/term/3741" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Connections for Success</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/taxonomy/term/1627" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">People Helping People</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/taxonomy/term/2720" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Helping People 1st Grant Program</a></div></div></div>Wed, 20 May 2015 16:18:45 +0000Nora Revie2486 at https://heartlandcua.orghttps://heartlandcua.org/node/2486#comments1st Financial FCU Awards New Grant to Help At-Risk Children in Fergusonhttps://heartlandcua.org/node/2377
<a href="/node/2377"><img class="teaserimage" typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://heartlandcua.org/sites/default/files//styles/thumbnail/public/images/1st-financial-fcu-pakt-2015-grant.jpg?itok=28F3aH2z" alt="1st Financial FCU Awards New Grant to Help At-Risk Children in Ferguson" title="1st Financial FCU Awards New Grant to Help At-Risk Children in Ferguson" /></a><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>As part of its Your Community 1st Grant program,&nbsp;1st Financial Federal Credit Union&nbsp;awarded $500 to&nbsp;J. Toni Burrow, executive director of&nbsp;PAKT&nbsp;Community Center in Ferguson. This grant&nbsp;will be used to support&nbsp; educational, multi-cultural, recreational, and artistically enriched activities for the youth population in the Ferguson area of North St. Louis County.</p>
<p>“Thank you to 1st Financial Federal Credit Union&nbsp;for helping us&nbsp;fill the needs&nbsp;of those who are in crisis,” says&nbsp;Mrs. Burrow.&nbsp; “With your financial support, children's lives are being transformed through their participation in our&nbsp;PAKT&nbsp;Youth&nbsp;ImPAKT&nbsp;Program this summer.”</p>
<p>Through the Helping People 1st Grant program, 1st Financial Federal Credit Union has been&nbsp;able to help a large number of nonprofits that&nbsp;serve the St. Louis area. However,&nbsp;many smaller scale operations still exist.&nbsp;In 2015, the 1st Financial Leadership team decided to expand their giving program and created the&nbsp;Your Community 1st Grant&nbsp;which focuses on individuals who are working for their community.&nbsp;Quarterly, 1st Financial will present a $500 donation to be used for an existing community need or certified 501(c)3 charitable organization or not-for-profit agency.</p>
<p>Mrs. Burrow is the first recipient of the&nbsp;Your Community 1st Grant, and her application&nbsp;was chosen based on the severity of&nbsp;need and willingness to&nbsp;help members of&nbsp;the community achieve personal or financial growth.&nbsp;In her application, Mrs. Burrow wrote about using the grant to serve the most vulnerable families in the Ferguson-Florissant area and working to strengthen her community.&nbsp;Mrs. Burrow plans use the grant to purchase 50 copies of the book "Paintings" by Carol Klein.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>"Paintings" will be used as a component of the ImPAKT Summer Day Camp Leadership and Development Program run by Mrs. Burrow and PAKT Community Center at Walnut Grove Elementary for 4th, 5th, and 6th graders of the Ferguson-Florissant School District this summer.&nbsp;</p>
<p><a href="http://www.paktcenter.org/" target="_blank">PAKT Community Center</a>, located at 500 Airport Road in Ferguson, Missouri is a non-profit organization dedicated to the enrichment of people’s lives by providing services to those in need.&nbsp;PAKT provides emergency rent assistance, health screenings for the elderly, drug abuse prevention, and educational summer camp programs for children from the Ferguson-Florissant School District.</p>
<p><em>Caption: 1st Financial brand ambassador,&nbsp;Tracy&nbsp;Verner,&nbsp;presents&nbsp;the $500 Grant to Mrs. Burrow and Mrs. Martha&nbsp;Panetti, an&nbsp;ImPAKT&nbsp;volunteer on Tuesday, April 7,&nbsp;2015 inside Walnut Grove Elementary.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</em></p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-vocab-community field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Vocab Community:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/taxonomy/term/199" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">new</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/taxonomy/term/2024" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">1st Financial Credit Union</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/taxonomy/term/3403" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Wentzville</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/taxonomy/term/3146" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Ferguson</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/taxonomy/term/2903" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">PAKT</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/taxonomy/term/3652" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Traci Verner</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/taxonomy/term/3653" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Your Community 1st Grant program</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/taxonomy/term/1627" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">People Helping People</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/taxonomy/term/2611" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">#getlocal</a></div></div></div>Mon, 13 Apr 2015 21:38:13 +0000Nora Revie2377 at https://heartlandcua.orghttps://heartlandcua.org/node/2377#comments1st Financial FCU Raises Funds for St. Louis Crisis Nurseryhttps://heartlandcua.org/node/2271
<a href="/node/2271"><img class="teaserimage" typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://heartlandcua.org/sites/default/files//styles/thumbnail/public/images/1st-Financial-FCU-crisis-nursery.jpg?itok=w-WDmM8B" alt="1st Financial FCU Raises Funds for St. Louis Crisis Nursery" title="1st Financial FCU Raises Funds for St. Louis Crisis Nursery" /></a><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>1st Financial Federal Credit Union (Wentzville)&nbsp;continued its Helping People 1st Grant program in December by partnering with the St. Louis Crisis Nursery.</p>
<p>The St. Louis Crisis Nursery is committed to the prevention of child abuse and neglect and provides emergency intervention, respite care and support to families in crisis.&nbsp;With five area locations, the Crisis Nursery accomplishes this through short-term care for young children in a safe and nurturing environment, community outreach and awareness, advocacy for children and families, and by offering resources for empowerment, ongoing support and parental education. More than 7,000 individuals were&nbsp;admitted to the nursery in&nbsp;2014.</p>
<p>“We are incredibly grateful for our partnership with 1st Financial Federal Credit Union,” says Bonnie Define, Community Relations director of the St. Louis Crisis Nursery.&nbsp;"Through their charitable giving program 'Helping People 1st,' we are working together to save babies' lives, keep kids safe and strengthen families&nbsp;in our communities - one child at a time."</p>
<p>1st Financial Federal Credit Union took part in the annual St. Louis Crisis Nursery Adopt-A-Family program this holiday season by collecting clothing and toys for a family in the St. Louis area. Additionally, Hazelwood branch manager, Tanya Forsythe, toured the St. Louis Crisis Nursery North County facility. At the end of her visit, Forsythe presented a check totaling $500&nbsp;to the St. Louis Crisis Nursery as part of the Helping People 1st Grant from 1st Financial Federal Credit Union.</p>
<p>The Helping People 1st Grant program gives 1st Financial Federal Credit Union employees the chance to highlight 501(c)3 non-profit organizations that actively work to help the St. Louis area by providing resources for housing, financial literacy, job training&nbsp;or education.</p>
<p><em>Caption: Pictured from left&nbsp;are Denise Wiehardt, program coordinator for th&nbsp;St. Louis Crisis Nursery, and Tanya Forsythe, Hazelwood branch manager for 1st Financial Federal Credit Union.</em></p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-vocab-community field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Vocab Community:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/taxonomy/term/199" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">new</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/taxonomy/term/3456" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">1st Financial Federal Credit Union. St. Louis Crisis Nursery</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/taxonomy/term/1627" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">People Helping People</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/taxonomy/term/504" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">grant</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/taxonomy/term/278" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">fundraiser</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/taxonomy/term/2611" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">#getlocal</a></div></div></div>Thu, 05 Feb 2015 18:20:40 +0000Nora Revie2271 at https://heartlandcua.orghttps://heartlandcua.org/node/2271#comments1st Financial FCU Celebrates First Year of New Community Development Programhttps://heartlandcua.org/node/2264
<a href="/node/2264"><img class="teaserimage" typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://heartlandcua.org/sites/default/files//styles/thumbnail/public/images/DowntownGateway180.jpg?itok=-VMKLBvI" alt="1st Financial FCU Celebrates First Year of New Community Development Program" title="1st Financial FCU Celebrates First Year of New Community Development Program" /></a><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>1st Financial Federal Credit Union&nbsp;recently announced&nbsp;the results of its&nbsp;Helping People 1st Grant program in 2014.&nbsp;1st Financial started the Helping People 1st Grant program to make a positive impact in the St. Louis area.&nbsp;As part of 1st Financial’s vision of “helping our members achieve their financial dreams,” this program was created to support nonprofit organizations that provide community assistance with an emphasis in education, housing, financial literacy, or job training.&nbsp;</p>
<p>“The commitment our employees show to work for their communities touches my heart,"&nbsp;says&nbsp;Carol Minges, chief executive officer (CEO) of 1st Financial Federal Credit Union.&nbsp;“We have a team of people that volunteer not because they have to serve.&nbsp;They volunteer because they have a calling to serve.&nbsp;Seeing their dedication to selflessly help others is another reminder for me about why it is so great to work for a credit union.”</p>
<p>Beginning in February, branch employees picked a new 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization to serve each month.&nbsp;The employees were encouraged to schedule paid volunteer time during work hours and hold fundraising activities to support the charity.&nbsp;At the end of each&nbsp;month, a nonprofit received a $500 contribution from 1st Financial as well as any additional donations earned from fundraising within the branches.</p>
<p>“Our focus is always on strengthening our community," says Tracy Verner, brand ambassador for 1st Financial.&nbsp;“We purposefully sought out&nbsp;501(c) 3 charities who demonstrated the ability to affect real change in each of the four communities we serve.&nbsp;These personal collaborative experiences gave our employees insight and motivated them to do more- volunteering more, hold more fundraising events&nbsp;and creating&nbsp;more&nbsp;awareness for these wonderful causes!”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>Verner&nbsp;shared that she looks forward to continuing the program&nbsp;in 2015.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>“Time and time again we made lasting connections with organizations whose core values are very close to our own and impacted the communities we serve!" says Verner. "I look forward to working with many of these allies again in 2015 and the years to come!”</p>
<p>In 2014, 1st Financial employees worked more than&nbsp;462 hours of paid volunteer time scrubbing out storerooms, sorting canned goods, cleaning up gardens, and building part of a house.&nbsp;Over the course of the year, this program presented $15,624.65 to charitable organizations within the St. Louis area. These&nbsp;organizations included:</p>
<ul>
<li>Gateway 180: Homelessness Reversed (Housing) (Education)</li>
<li>O.A.S.I.S. Food Pantry (Job Training)</li>
<li>PAKT Community Center (Education)</li>
<li>Habitat for Humanity of St. Charles County (Housing)</li>
<li>North Grand Neighborhood Services (Housing) (Education)</li>
<li>Willows Way (Housing) (Job Training)</li>
<li>KidSmart (Education) (Housing)</li>
<li>Connections to Success (Job Training) (Financial Literacy)</li>
<li>Youth In Need (Job Training)</li>
<li>Junior Achievement (Financial Literacy)</li>
<li>St. Louis Crisis Nursery (Education)</li>
</ul>
<p>The Helping People 1st Grant program has had a long-term effect on the organizations that were served in 2014.&nbsp;</p>
<p>“Some organizations talk about making a difference, but 1st&nbsp;Financial&nbsp;makes a difference,” says Toni Burrow, president of PAKT Community Center.&nbsp;“It is hard for me to put into words what I am feeling in my heart about what 1st Financial&nbsp;did for the PAKT organization this past year.&nbsp;The 1st Financial employees who served in the pantry were needed and much appreciated.”&nbsp;</p>
<p>More than 300&nbsp;individuals through the PAKT&nbsp;Community Center&nbsp;were served because of 1st Financial's efforts.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>"I am especially grateful for the collaborative partnership 1st Financial and PAKT has formed to help 'Fill the Need'&nbsp;of those we serve who are in crisis in the Ferguson and the North St. Louis County communities,” continues Burrow.</p>
<p>1st Financial Federal Credit Union will continue supporting the St. Louis area with the Helping People 1st Grant program in 2015, starting in January with the St. Charles City-County Library Foundation.</p>
<p><em>Caption: 1st Financial Federal Credit Union volunteers pack and deliver lunches for the Gateway180, a homeless shelter in downtown St. Louis.&nbsp;</em></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-vocab-community field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Vocab Community:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/taxonomy/term/199" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">new</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/taxonomy/term/3446" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Gateway180</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/taxonomy/term/2050" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">1st Financial Federal Credit Union</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/taxonomy/term/1627" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">People Helping People</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/taxonomy/term/2611" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">#getlocal</a></div></div></div>Wed, 28 Jan 2015 20:31:45 +0000Nora Revie2264 at https://heartlandcua.orghttps://heartlandcua.org/node/2264#comments1st Financial FCU Offers Support to At-Risk Youthhttps://heartlandcua.org/node/2215
<a href="/node/2215"><img class="teaserimage" typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://heartlandcua.org/sites/default/files//styles/thumbnail/public/images/1st-financial-youth-in-need.jpg?itok=PtosjvW1" alt="1st Financial FCU Offers Support to At-Risk Youth" title="1st Financial FCU Offers Support to At-Risk Youth" /></a><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>1st Financial Federal Credit Union (Wentzville)&nbsp;continued&nbsp;its Helping People 1st Grant program in November by working with Youth In Need and supporting its&nbsp;crisis relief programs for youth in St. Charles, Mo.</p>
<p>As part of the vision of “helping our members achieve their financial dreams,”&nbsp;1st Financial created the&nbsp;Helping People 1st Grant&nbsp;to support organizations who are working to help members of the community achieve personal or financial success in the areas of housing, financial literacy, job training&nbsp;or education. The St. Charles branch chose to donate to Youth in Need in November because of its&nbsp;work with transitional housing and job readiness.</p>
<p>“We’re so grateful for this wonderful donation from 1st&nbsp;Financial Federal Credit Union and its members,” said Rob&nbsp;Muschany, vice president of Development and Marketing, Youth In Need.&nbsp;“Community support is essential to our daily mission of building on the strengths of the children and families we serve and helping them find safety, hope and success.”</p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Youth In Need is a non-profit child and family services agency, headquartered in St. Charles.&nbsp;Youth In Need is dedicated to building positive futures for the community’s most vulnerable children, teens and families. It&nbsp;has served the St. Louis area since 1974.&nbsp;Today, Youth in Need serves over 1,600 children, teens&nbsp;and families in six counties through educational, development, counseling&nbsp;and residential treatment initiatives.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p>1st Financial employees volunteered at Youth in Need’s main office in St. Charles.&nbsp;The staffers spent the day accepting holiday gift donations, sorting toys&nbsp;and distributing them out to various area locations.&nbsp;The St. Charles branch of 1st Financial&nbsp;accepted donations from employees and members while also promoting Youth in Need to members inside the lobby.</p>
<p>In addition to the fundraising efforts within the branch, 1st Financial added $500 to the overall contribution as a part of the&nbsp;Helping People 1st Grant.&nbsp;On December 11, 1st Financial employees presented Youth In Need with a check totaling $610.50.</p>
<p>“We were very excited to help raise awareness and collect funds for such a remarkable organization," says Chuck Holmes, branch manager at the St. Charles location.&nbsp;“I would like to thank everyone for their donations and all the volunteers that were able to come out and support this amazing organization.”</p>
<p><em>Caption (from left): Tracy Verner, Brand Ambassador for 1st Financial; Kaye McMullin, of 1st Financial; Shelitta Hairlson, of 1st Financial; Robert Mueschany, vice president of Development and Marketing, Youth In Need; Chuck Holmes, branch manager of&nbsp;1st Financial, Toni Gaskin, of 1st Financial; and Carol Minges,&nbsp;CEO of 1st Financial.</em></p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-vocab-community field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Vocab Community:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/taxonomy/term/199" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">new</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/taxonomy/term/2050" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">1st Financial Federal Credit Union</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/taxonomy/term/3374" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Youth In Need</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/taxonomy/term/1627" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">People Helping People</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/taxonomy/term/2611" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">#getlocal</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/taxonomy/term/797" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">donation</a></div></div></div>Fri, 19 Dec 2014 15:55:39 +0000Nora Revie2215 at https://heartlandcua.orghttps://heartlandcua.org/node/2215#comments1st Financial FCU Launches Paid Volunteer Program for Employeeshttps://heartlandcua.org/node/2002
<a href="/node/2002"><img class="teaserimage" typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://heartlandcua.org/sites/default/files//styles/thumbnail/public/Logos/1st_Financial_Federal.jpg?itok=aRleuJBJ" alt="1st Financial FCU Launches Paid Volunteer Program for Employees" title="1st Financial FCU Launches Paid Volunteer Program for Employees" /></a><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">1st Financial Federal Credit Union (Wentzville) was built upon a philosophical foundation of “people helping people.”&nbsp;Throughout the years, credit union leaders have encouraged 1st Financial employees to help people in their community by offering opportunities for donating goods, providing financial literacy education and participating in fundraising efforts.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p>In late 2013, during a planning session dedicated to community development, it was decided to introduce a volunteer program for&nbsp;1st Financial's employees&nbsp;that would offer paid wages for volunteering time at designated nonprofit 501c(3) organizations in their communities. The&nbsp;senior leadership team of 1st Financial believes that in order to bring about true life-changing transformation in the community, it takes hard work, effort and people using their talents and skills for good.</p>
<p>"Paid volunteerism is such a great opportunity to allow our employees the chance to actively contribute to the communities we serve,” says Robyn Whalen, vice president of Human Resources and Administration at 1st Financial.&nbsp;“We don’t just donate money or raise funds for our local charities.&nbsp;We physically help those organizations whether it’s stocking shelves at a food pantry, playing with children in a shelter&nbsp;or building a house!"</p>
<p>One of the biggest vehicles for employee volunteering has been the&nbsp;Helping People 1st&nbsp;grant program created by 1st Financial. This initiative, which highlights community focused charitable organizations, has given 1st Financial employees the ability to actively improve their community.&nbsp;To date, 1st Financial employees have worked more than 165 hours of paid volunteer time, serving&nbsp;Gateway 180: Homelessness Reversed, O.A.S.I.S. Food Pantry, PAKT Community Center&nbsp;and Habitat for Humanity of St. Charles County.</p>
<p>“The act of volunteering is a team- and morale-building event,” continues&nbsp;Whalen.&nbsp;“The employees create shared memories and work together to help a good cause.&nbsp;When we hire new employees, they consistently say that the reason they want to work here is because of our strong commitment to help&nbsp;the community.&nbsp;Volunteering creates a positive atmosphere where we are all supporting our core purpose: helping people achieve their financial dreams.”</p>
<p>1st Financial Federal&nbsp;was recently recognized as a Top Workplace in the St. Louis area by the <em>St. Louis Post Dispatch.&nbsp;</em>Top Workplaces are selected based on the results of employee surveys with the belief that employees buy into the philosophy and work ethic of successful companies.</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-vocab-community field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Vocab Community:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/taxonomy/term/199" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">new</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/taxonomy/term/2050" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">1st Financial Federal Credit Union</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/taxonomy/term/1627" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">People Helping People</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/taxonomy/term/3018" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">employee volunteers</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/taxonomy/term/3019" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Gateway 180</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/taxonomy/term/3020" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">O.A.S.I.S. Food Pantry</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/taxonomy/term/3021" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">PAKT Community Center</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/taxonomy/term/3022" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Habitat for Humanity of St. Charles</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/taxonomy/term/2611" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">#getlocal</a></div></div></div>Mon, 14 Jul 2014 17:51:12 +0000Nora Revie2002 at https://heartlandcua.orghttps://heartlandcua.org/node/2002#commentsTelComm Celebrates the Season with Givinghttps://heartlandcua.org/node/1077
<a href="/node/1077"><img class="teaserimage" typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://heartlandcua.org/sites/default/files//styles/thumbnail/public/Article%20Images/Salv-Don-Faye-Dec-1-2012.jpg?itok=IUuuny3s" alt="TelComm Celebrates the Season with Giving" title="TelComm Celebrates the Season with Giving" /></a><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>During the month of December, TelComm Credit Union (Springfield) participated in multiple "people helping people" activities. &nbsp;On December 1, many of the staff volunteered to participate in the Salvation Army bell ringing&nbsp;activity to collect money. &nbsp;On December 12, credit union employees donated blood for the Community Blood Center of the Ozarks. The&nbsp;TelComm branch in Republic "adopted” a local three-year-old boy whose mother has health issues and is unable to work.&nbsp; The staff worked with an organization called "People Helping People" and coordinated donating gifts to the mother, who then was able to give them to her son for Christmas.&nbsp;</p>
<p></p>
<p>"Over the years TelComm employees have participated in a variety of activities to help our neighbors during the Christmas holiday season.&nbsp; It was important to us to help our neighbors in ways that do not cost money such as bell ringing and donating blood- and require less than an hour out of the day volunteering but yet have a huge impact.&nbsp; Many of our employees are parents and grandparents, so helping a young struggling family also pulls at our heart strings, and we enjoyed helping make sure at least one little guy had a few gifts to open Christmas morning," said&nbsp;Lori Johnson, VP Marketing &amp; Business Development, TelComm Credit Union.</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-vocab-community field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Vocab Community:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/taxonomy/term/199" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">new</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/taxonomy/term/277" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Telcomm</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/taxonomy/term/94" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">fundraising</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/taxonomy/term/1625" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">bell ringing</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/taxonomy/term/1626" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Salvation Army</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/taxonomy/term/100" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Blood Drive</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/taxonomy/term/1627" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">People Helping People</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/taxonomy/term/1628" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Christmas gifts</a></div></div></div>Thu, 03 Jan 2013 21:13:05 +0000Sharon Bahr1077 at https://heartlandcua.orghttps://heartlandcua.org/node/1077#comments